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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

I went to BlogHer and all I got was a fridge magnet!

So. I'm back from BlogHer '10 in New York City.

And all I got was a fridge magnet.

Oh, and a suitcase full of swag.

And the very best memories EVER.

BlogHer was more than I expected. It was more fabulous, more fun, more overwhelming, and more amazing than I thought it would be. BlogHer was more than a conference - it was like a retreat filled with very cool people who all shared a common interest. I'm so glad I went.

In fact, I was having such a great time at BlogHer I didn't leave myself any time to shop. And if you know me at all, you know this is a VERY BIG DEAL. I didn't go to Saks. Or spend more than a few minutes on 5th Avenue. In fact, I only went to FAO and to a souvenir store for a fridge magnet and snow globes for my boys. And I'm totally okay with that. (Except my first night back I did wake up in a panicked sweat screaming out OMG! THE SHOE FLOOR AT SAKS... NOOOOOOO!!!!!!)

The very best part about BlogHer? Meeting all the people I have been dying to meet, and seeing people I'vemet before, like Jill, and getting to know everyone better.

From the second I boarded the plane with Erica, Sharon, Candace, Cherie-Lynn, Alison, and a few other fabulous Canadians, it was nothing but good times. (The Ativan sure helped on the plane ride!)

Random thoughts about BlogHer:

Meeting my roommates Jessica and Jessica was 'squee!' worthy. I loved hanging with these two girls - it was like we had known eachother forever! I loved walking throught the streets of NYC with Jessica at 1 a.m. to find food (really expensive - but good - pizza!) and to talk. We literally didn't stop talking for 2 days. It's like I met my new BFF. Who lives too far away from me!

Meeting everyone was amazing. Did I already say that? Like Kate. And the fabulous Audrey, who hosted the Getting Gorgeous event. And Jen, a fellow Canadian I was dying to meet. And Miss Britt. And Brittany. And Marinka - OMG - I love Marinka even more than ever! (And I'm not just saying that because of the free LG vacuum cleaner everyone got at the Mouthy Housewives party!)

Bloggers are even more gorgeous in person. Hugs were plentiful and never weird.

People coming up to me and saying: "OMG! Loukia!!!! HI!!!!" was totally awesome.

Free drinks two days in a row was sweet. And so was the Pink Twitter. I survived on alcohol and cupcakes. No complaints!

The parties and events I was at - Getting Gorgeous, SocialLuxe, Ralph Lauren, Nikon, Hallmark, Sweets in the City and the Mouthy Housewives party - were a blast! And all at pretty fabulous locations, like penthouse suites and rooftop patios, where the wine flowed freely.

Hanging out at Hotel Gansevoorth in the Meatpacking District with a few great bloggers - Jessica, Pauline, Adam, Emily and Toronto aka Tempting Mama on Friday night was also soso awesome! I think the most fun was had at non-BlogHer related events - at dinner, bars, and just random meet-ups in the lobby.

The community keynote speakers were amazing. I cried. I laughed. I cried some more and almost had to re-do my make-up! Everyone was brilliant, and listening to Amy sing was kind of like BlogHer's own personal broadway show!

I actually changed outfits 4 times on Friday, much to the amusement of Maria who was rolling her eyes at me from across the room, but with a huge smile - it was awesome seeing her again, too.

I never used my credit card.
My feet DID hurt by the end of the night but it was a good pain and worth it!

I handed out all my business cards. And came home with a suitcase full of other people's fabulous business cards.

BlogHer is what you make it. If you sit in a corner not talking to anyone, I can't see how you'll have a good time. Get out there and talk to people! I had high expectations before going, and I was not let down at all. For the most part. I wish there was more time to talk to people, though.

The news on the little TV's in the elevators were very annoying, especially after a few glasses of wine when you started wondering who the hell was talking to you. Except for the time I saw Catherine on CNN, and I was like, "OMG! I KNOW HER!" to a group of non-bloggers. (There were like 27 non-bloggers at the Hilton at the same time BlogHer was going on. I wonder what they thought of us all?)I am so glad I met YOU. I can't name everyone because I'd be up all night long, but know that seeing you all had me so excited, because you're all just as fabulous as I thought you'd be. And more.

So... see you all next year. At BlogHer'11. In San Diego, baby!

xoxo

P.S. If you have a pic of me and you, please send it my way so I can add it here!

sounds like you had a great time! And yes, holy cow, from the looks of it most bloggers are a very attractive bunch! I'm afraid I'd be too shy to enjoy it, but who knows, maybe I'll give it a shot next year.

I agree - BlogHer was an amazing experience and you kind of have to put yourself out there to receive the fabulousness back. And meeting the people you email and twitter with? It really solidifies friendships.

I am still amazed that you didn't shop! Blown away. I'm so glad I got to see you finally... I spotted you within the first three seconds after walking into the registration area! Can't wait to see you in San Diego!